Also known as Licitars (Croatian: licitarska srca; Slovene: lectova srca) are colorfully decorated biscuits made from sweet honey dough.
They have been an old symbol for the Croatian capital Zagreb and are given to people for many occasions during the year, including weddings, St. Valentine's Day, and Christmas. The city of Zagreb and the Christmas tree in the main square are decorated with thousands of these tender little hearts.
Gingerbread making originated in some European monasteries during the Middle Ages and was brought to Croatia, where it became a craft. Gingerbread craftsmen worked in the area of northern Croatia, and they also made honey and candles. Licitars have been made and given since the 16th century. It is very well known that the makers of Licitars, or Medicari, held high esteem in society and that their Licitars were highly sought after (licitars were a lot more sentimental than a bouquet of roses).
Licitars became famous after being sold at the Marian shrine of Marija Bistrica (near Zagreb), where pilgrims went to celebrate the Assumption of Mary of Bistrica or the feast of St Margaret. Though licitars are not religious symbols, they were often bought as a reminder of their long and sometimes arduous journey to Zagorje. Its simple shape, attractive color, and decorations made them a popular souvenir to give to their friends and family back home
To make gingerbread, one must-have skill, and speed. All makers employ the same ingredients, which are flour, sugar, water, and baking soda - plus all the required spices. Gingerbread is shaped into molds, baked, and dried before being painted with edible colors. It is decorated in a unique way by each craftsperson, often with pictures, little mirrors, and verses. Weddings are frequently celebrated with gingerbread hearts decorated with the couple's names and wedding dates. Licitars are mistakenly referred to as gingerbread even though they do not actually contain ginger.
For centuries, the craft has been passed down from generation to generation, initially to men, but now to men and women alike. In recent years, gingerbread has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Croatian identity. Gingerbread makers now are essential to events, celebrations, and gatherings in local communities, providing a sense of identity and continuity to the locals. Today Licitars are a traditional souvenir of Croatia and Slovenia, and they can be purchased in all Croatian airports, as well as in many tourist gift shops.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/gingerbread-craft-from-northern-croatia-00356) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licitar#Modern_uses)